SEIU Town Hall fails to produce endorsement in L.A. mayor's race

The six locals of the Service Employees International Union couldn't reach a consensus on whether to back City Controller Wendy Greuel or City Councilman Eric Garcetti for Los Angeles mayor at a Tuesday night Town Hall meeting, unions officials said.

The six SEIU groups together represents state, local, and private sector workers.

Lowell Goodman, director of communications for SEIU 721, said the heads of each SEIU could go ahead and endorse separately in the coming weeks.

SEIU 721 recommended backing Greuel, but didn't endorse her officially, according to Paul Castro, a city worker and SEIU 721 member, who watched the voting process.

The local union represents 10,000 Los Angeles city workers and their official backing is considered a key endorsement in the race.

The event, closed to press and only open to SEIU members, was attended by Greuel and Garcetti, who spoke separately and answered questions.

Additionally, a handout provided at the event graded the two candidates in eight categories. The handout graded Greuel and Garcetti on a 1-5 scale of being anti-worker or pro-worker.

A "1" signalled a candidate was anti-worker, while a 5 indicated he or she was pro-worker. Grades were given on issues such as "working with unions," "furloughs," and "retirement security."

Greuel earned higher scores across the board, receiving a 4.5 in nearly every category. The exceptions included "revenue," where she earned a 4, and "retirement security" where she earned a 3.5.

Overall, Garcetti earned lower marks, getting a 2 in "collective bargaining" and a 3 in "retirement security." He received 4s in both "contracting out" and "working with unions."

The grading handouts, which can be seen on this Flickr page, were prepared by the political directors of the 6 SEIU groups in December, according to Favel Jens, political director at SEIU.

SEIU initially declined to endorse in the L.A. mayor's race following a December Town Hall. But Garcetti and Greuel were called back this week. SEIU spokesman Ian Thompson said the pair was asked back because they are considered the most viable candidates.

The second Town Hall prompted criticisms from rival candidates, who said a deal had been cut between SEIU members and one of the two candidates.

SEIU spokesman Ian Thompson denied any deal was cut.

UPDATE: On Tuesday night, Garcetti released the following statement: "Tonight rank and file workers made it clear with their votes that SEIU is not ready to endorse. I am grateful for the votes off so many Los Angeles workers tonight."